Dozens of firefighters respond to Bull Run Mountain blaze
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
Numerous fire and rescue personnel from Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun counties responded to a brush fire in the Bull Run Mountains State Natural Area Preserve on Wednesday afternoon.
The Department of Forestry and Virginia State Police also responded to the incident in the area located near John Marshall Highway and I-66, which was reported sometime between 2:30 and 3 p.m.
Fauquier County Department of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Philip Myer said about 10-acres of land were affected by the fire. Limited access and treacherous terrain made fire suppression especially difficult, Myer said.
A state police helicopter was used for visual surveillance of the entire fireground. Another chopper was used to dump water on the blaze.
Myer explained that firefighters were pulled off the mountain prior to the water drop as a safety precaution.
State police planned to close the travel lanes on I-66 during the water drops so motorists wouldn't be distracted by the activity. The water drop occurred at approximately 7 p.m.